National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and former Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) leader, Yabagi Sani, has voiced deep concern over the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that the current structure of Nigeria’s electoral system leaves the commission open to executive interference.
Speaking on ARISE News on Saturday, Sani commended Professor Amupitan’s academic credentials and professional experience but said the method of appointment raises constitutional and democratic concerns.
“Professor Amupitan’s qualifications are not in doubt,” Sani said. “However, the fact that the President appoints the INEC Chairman, Commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners means the institution is still under the shadow of executive control.”
He criticized the system for allowing the presidency to influence INEC’s finances despite constitutional provisions granting it autonomy. “The person who controls the funds can easily influence the process. That’s against the spirit of democracy,” he added.
Sani also referenced former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, noting that while he introduced innovations in digitalisation, his impact was limited by political interference.
Calling for urgent electoral reforms, Sani urged that future appointments and INEC’s budgetary processes be truly independent. “Until we restructure how INEC officials are appointed and funded, the credibility of our elections will remain compromised,” he warned.
He encouraged the new chairman to use upcoming off-cycle elections to rebuild public confidence in the electoral body.
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